Mbongeni Ngema, the South African creator of the Whoopi Goldberg film Sarafina!He died in a car accident. He was 68 years old.
Ngema’s family announced his death in a statement, revealing that he died in a head-on collision on December 27 while returning from a funeral he attended in Lusikisiki, South Africa. He was a passenger in the vehicle.
Ngema is best known for creating the musical Sarafina!which opened on Broadway in 1988 and was adapted as a vehicle for Goldberg in 1992.
It told the story of a young student’s struggle against racial segregation in apartheid South Africa after her teacher was imprisoned.
Ngema was a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer and theater producer. His other major works include vocal arrangements The lion king.
In a statement, Sarafina! Producer Anant Singh said: “We have lost a ground-breaking creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of apartheid South Africa to a global audience using theater as a platform.”
“He left an indelible mark on South African theater and the creative industry as a whole. This is evident from the timelessness of Sarafina! the film
“Mbongeni has been an inspiration and mentor to many young artists who are now household names. His death leaves a deep void, but he leaves behind a rich legacy that will be preserved for posterity.”
Sarafina! premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and returned this year as part of the event’s Cannes Classics series.
Source: Deadline
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